pictures

Saturday, December 11, 2010

I think I may have found a holiday tradition that is the culmination of all the things that bring me joy...

baking, decorating, crafting, collecting, and gardening...!

One late evening...as visions of sugar plums danced in my head...it came to me like a magical dream! I flipped on the lights, wrapped up in my robe and ran to the kitchen. Everything I needed for my creation came dancing out of the pantry...

cereal

hard candy

powdered sugar

gingerbread mix...

pretzel rodsgraham crackersfrostingrice crispiesmarshmallows...

...and lots and lots oflove

This is the recipe for my winter sweet creations...and the result is a great deal of joy! Vintage cake stands elevate the lovely winter fairy houses and give them a stage on which to shine. Tiny candles illuminate the candied stained glass windows from within adding a warm delicate glow. Domesticity is an honorable art. Now it's time for you to dig through your pantry and bring your vision of sugar plums to life too!

Monday, November 1, 2010

For anyone who has a love of orchids...and all things to beautify your home inside and out...you will adore this incredible shop.

Awesome Orchids

plants pots and more

As you walk up to the door, you are surrounded by lush green and flowering plants, serene seating, stunning beds of river stones and then you realize...you haven't even entered the shop!

Every inch of this precious establishment is filled with exquisite nature inspired accessories. Each corner...and every space in between...is expertly arranged by an artful eye to create spectacular vignettes.

Orchids clearly take center stage...but all the details that create the shop are intricately entwined to set this theatrical work of art.

You will find special treasures for any person you hold near and dear to your heart...or simply take time to spoil yourself with a gift to raise your spirit.

Butterflies, birds and all sorts of whimsy embellish the decor with a graceful elegance.

It is so clear that the owners not only take pride in their profession...but they truly love the environment in which they create. Thank goodness that this talented family opened their hearts, talents and world and allowed us to enter. From all of us who love what you do..thank you Eve, Alan and Martha! Please visit the shop website for more information...

Thursday, July 29, 2010

For the past monthI have been glued to my computer...but have totally ignored this blog. It has been a hectic few weeks around here. After almost 17 years of owning a retail shop, I have decided to launch an online virtual store. I have been knee deep in photo shoots but it has been wonderful. Here are a few product pics from the most recent shoot...

It is such a blessing to love my job...I am free to be creative and work means wearing sundresses and walking in the waves...

Friday, June 25, 2010

Summer is here in all its glory. With June coming to an end it can only mean one thing...it's time to celebrate our nation! Plus it's another reason to decorate...Cheers!

I love the 4th of July...and I love decorating my home and shop for every changing season and holiday. Sometimes it can be hard to work a very traditional color palette of red, white and blue into your existing color scheme. Here are a few ideas to get you started...

This area of the shop is primarily robin's egg blue, pale yellow and touches of soft pink. So how does it become center stage for a festive 4th display...

Simply add pieces that will complement your decor yet invite the spirit of the holiday...add a collection of mix-and-match red transferware...

Look for ways and places to repeat your color scheme and new holiday colors...

Don't lose your own personal style when decorating...just find creative and innovative ways to add a punch of the holiday spirit!

Well, I have a house and shop to decorate so I best get to work...and I can't wait! Take time to play house this week. Bring out pretty white linens, fill classic Coke bottles with miniature flags, fill a bowl with shiny red apples and have fun. Be filled with the season and show how much you love Miss Liberty!

Thursday, June 17, 2010

I live in a creative world and am so blessed to do so. By trade I am an interior designer. I originally opened my business strictly offering design consultation. Quickly my business transformed into a retail boutique. It has been 15 years now and even though both halves of my career are surrounded by creativity, they are so very different. For the most part, my design work is comprised of commercial installations. The aesthetic is quite contemporary yet always reflects my heart and soul. As I gather fabric and paint swatches I can see more than the project at hand. Even as I sit at my drafting table today, whether I am aware of it or not, my inspiration is obvious...

The job before me is to design a contemporary professional building. It is a complete remodel and the clean, modern design must portray the technology of today and the direction the company is going. Yet it must reflect on the company's incredible history. The materials are natural and the lines are sleek. The end result...classically modern design.

The design takes shape without a second thought to my inspiration. Then I see my palette clearly. It is not my own but a classic color scheme directly from Mother Nature herself...

It is ironic that I am designing a very contemporary environment yet my inspiration is as classically natural as can be. It has been a joy to create and develop this design and now I can't wait to see it come to life...or should I say "hatch".

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Design trends tend to come and go, but the ones with true staying power are derived from history. By adding pieces to your decor that have historical significance you will be adding depth, character and a true sense of relevance. There is a way to blend historical and classic design elements into your own personal style. As for me, I have always been drawn to an Asian inspired design aesthetic. The following are examples of how these elements have been integrated into my home, shop and personal style...

Asian design has been based on tranquility, peace and harmony for centuries. I find that simple yet beautiful organization creates a sense of peace in my home. By organizing clutter, even simple bars of soap and votive candles take on an elegance and charm.

Another key to Asian design is the use of bold dramatic color like gold, red and black. My personal style is, for the most part, void of color. However, this drama can be created by the bold use of black as a stark contrast to white.

The design influence can be extremely subtle yet still make a huge impact on the space.

Natural materials are heavily utilized in Asian design. The pieces below were made from balsa wood and twine. When manipulated in a very delicate manner, they create beautiful but simple works of art. It reminds me of the intricate and delicate paper art of origami.

Another key practice in Asian design is the use of multi-purpose furnishings. Space was very limited in many Asian homes so furnishings had to be practical and functional. Beautiful trunks and cabinets with individual drawers and compartments were at a premium for storage.

Texture is also a key element of design. Natural wood intricately carved created a pictorial of historical significance. Not only were the pieces beautiful, they were recording history through visual story telling. An incredible level of craftsmanship that has endured for centuries.

Even a simple doll can be transformed into a piece of art in a very sophisticated fashion.

Utilitarian objects like rice paper parasols can also be transformed into elements of design. They are simple and elegant while they play into another element of Asian decor...light. The filtering of natural light was a playful art that could be seen in lanterns, screens, fans and of course...parasols

To me, there are no rules when it comes to design. Mixing items you love is the perfect recipe for a beautiful, eclectic home. Be creative, playful and most of all...love your surroundings.

blog author

Welcome to the world of Surroundings by Melinda. For the past 20 years I have been the owner of a retail shop and interior design consulting business. The shop is now located on Sanibel Island...no worries...we're online too! I am tickled to be able to share creative inspiration from my years appearing on TV and writing for numerous magazines. Thanks for being here...Enjoy!